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5 things to do in Brussels, Belgium

Belgium isn’t a very large country, and it’s quite young – in European terms at least; it got independence in 1830. But it does have a lot going for it – there are plenty of museums, historic architecture that ranges from gothic to art nouveau, as well as the world’s first pipeline for beer. Aside from the beer, there’s great chocolate, too. When you visit the country, start off in Brussels. Here’s what you should do while you’re there.

For architecture

The UNECO-listed Grand Place is one of the finest main squares in Europe. You’ll spot baroque guildhalls, cafes and cosy cellar restaurants here. And nearby, is the the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert, which opened in 1847 as Europe’s first shopping arcade.

For art

The group of museums at The Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts hold an impressive collection of artworks that span everything from 15th-century Flemish works to the present. It’s a really good way to spend an afternoon, in our opinion.

For art nouveau

Musee Horta doesn’t look like much from the outside, but this museum provides a great introduction to the late 19th-century art nouveau movement – through the life of renowned architect and pioneer of the art nouveau architectural style, Victor Horta. You’ll find airy rooms with mirrored walls and stained-glass inlays that open out from an iron-laced staircase.

For leisurely walks

Photograph: 123rf

The Parc du Cinquantenaire, a large urban park, was built in 1880 to celebrate 50 years of Belgian independence. There’s a huge arch that’s easily recognisable and whose stoic presence demands to be Instagrammed as well as museums of military history and antiquities.

For history

The Koninklijk Museum voor Midden-Afrika, or Royal Museum for Central Africa, may be a half-day trip away from the city, but it’s worth it – you’ll see everything from preserved insects, a stuffed elephant and tribal masks, to instruments and a 22m-long pirogue (canoe) crafted by the Lengola people.